A great Christmas tree has stood sentinel in Union Square, San Francisco, every holiday season since 1880.

Word is that this was the first public Christmas tree of its kind in the United States — and that it was Emperor Norton (c.1818-1880) who originally called for it, possibly thinking that such a tree would bring particular delight to children.

It's a legend that has the ring of truth.

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In 2013, on the second Sunday afternoon of December, The Emperor's Bridge Campaign celebrated this legend with a holiday party at The House of Shields — a beautifully restored 1913 bar that is just a short walk from Union Square.

We called it The First Annual Tannenbaum Toast.

From the beginning, we felt that the Tannenbaum Toast had the makings of a new tradition. The first gathering was such a festive success that we vowed to make it so.

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So, kick off the holidays in regal style! Join The Emperor's Bridge Campaign, on the second Sunday afternoon in December, for...

Raise a glass to the Emperor for his kindness in calling for a great Christmas tree for all to enjoy during the holidays.

And learn more about the Campaign's efforts to honor the life and advance the legacy of Emperor Norton — and to become the leading public resource on the Emperor.

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As you see, we'll be back at The House of Shields, where the formal Toast will be at 5 p.m.

The drink for the Toast is The House of Shields's version of the classic Boothby cocktail — created in 1908 by legendary San Francisco bartender William T. "Cocktail" Boothby, during his tenure at the Palace Hotel, just across the street.

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Procession from Union Square at 3:30 p.m.

Those who would like an imperial escort to the Toast can join us under the Union Square Christmas tree at 3:30 p.m.

We'll be joined by the Emperor himself — as played by our good friend Joseph Amster of Emperor Norton's Fantastic San Francisco Time Machine — and will stroll over to The House of Shields at about 3:45.

If you're meeting us at the saloon...

We'll see you in the upstairs mezzanine!

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